15 Home Maintenance Tasks That Save You Big Over Time
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Caring for a home is very much like caring for a car. While it may not seem like a big deal to overlook the small stuff now, over time those little issues can snowball into big headaches—and big expenses. You can imagine letting a tiny leak drip away under the sink for months before you are hit with the water damage, mold, and repair bill that makes your wallet cry. Home preventative maintenance isn’t just about avoiding disasters – it’s how you keep your house safe, working and comfortable for years to come.
Taking a little bit of effort today can prevent a whole mountain of stress and dollars tomorrow. Settle in with a nice cup of coffee, roll up your sleeves, and let’s jump into some home maintenance chores that won’t break the bank and make your home happy.
Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters are ticking time bombs for your home, and can be a contributing factor causing your home’s damage. Its caused by water pooling which can lead to roof damage, foundation cracks, or flooding. In the spring and fall take a couple of hours to clear out leaves and debris. Gutter cleaning services is a small price to pay to avoid thousands of dollars in repairs for those who don’t want to risk climbing a ladder.
Inspect Your Roof
The weather gives a beating to your roof so check it out once or twice a year. You should search for cracked or loose shingles or any shingle that appears to be in disrepair. The National Roofing Contractors Association says you can save up to 50% if you catch small problems early instead of waiting for them to turn into big problems.
Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
Not only are drafts annoying, but they are energy vampires. The U.S. Department of Energy says that a quick trip to the hardware store for some weatherstripping or caulk can significantly lower your heating and cooling bills. Also, no more sweater in winter!
Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
This is one of those “just do it” tasks. Replace batteries annually, and test devices monthly. The National Fire Protection Association says working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by 55 percent. This is peace of mind for pennies.
Flush Your Water Heater
The mineral buildup in your water heater leads to inefficiency and costly repairs. It is good practice to flush it once a year to extend its life and keep your energy bills in check. It only requires a garden hose, and about 20 minutes.
Change HVAC Filters
Dirty air filters make your HVAC system work harder, causing higher energy bills and, possibly, breakdowns. Change them out every 1 – 3 months. Your wallet and the system will thank you.
Check for Plumbing Leaks
A drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water every year, even if it’s a small one. Watch faucets, pipes and under sinks. It costs far less to fix a leak than it does to repair water damage or deal with a mold removal later.
Service Your HVAC System
This is a tune up for your homes lungs. If you have a professional inspection of your system once a year, it will run more efficiently and avoid costly breakdowns. Preventative maintenance costs a few hundred dollars annually but can save you thousands in emergency repairs.
Clean Dryer Vents
Dryer vents are a leading cause of house fires as a result of lint buildup. Cleaning the vent once a year helps your dryer work more efficiently and prevents fires. Usually, a professional cleaning costs a bit, but it can save your home, and could save your life.
Maintain Your Deck
Your deck is a beautiful asset, but it needs love. It should be power washed annually, resealed every couple of years, and any damaged boards replaced. This maintenance will ensure it does not rot and will last longer thus saving you thousands of dollars on replacements.
Inspect Your Foundation
Look around your home and see if you find cracks or pooling water near the foundation. Early catching of these issues can save the structural damage. Now is the time for a little patchwork project instead of a pricey foundation overhaul later.
Clean Your Refrigerator Coils
Your fridge has to work harder, using more energy, when it has dusty coils. Vacuum your fridge coils once a year by pulling it out. A small effort like this can save you 5 – 10% on your energy bill.
Trim Overgrown Trees
If you have large branches hanging over your roof or power lines, they are disasters waiting to happen. Trim them back to reduce the risk of storm damage. Calling an arborist is an act that can save you thousands in repair costs later.
Inspect Your Attic
While it’s a little more creepy than the other methods, take a flashlight and look for any signs of pests, leaks, or insulation issues. Taking care of these issues early saves you from damaging your home and keeps energy costs low.
Re-Caulk Your Bathroom
Caulking in your bathroom wears out over time and causes water seepage and mold growth. Caulk is cheap and easy to apply fresh. By tackling this 30 minute task, you’ll be saving yourself from major bathroom renovations.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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